Handful of businesses still without licenses

A handful of local contractors could find themselves being issued citations and fines if they continue to operate in the city of Hannibal without a business license.

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By DANNY HENLEYdanny.henley@courierpost.com

Hannibal Courier - Post - Hannibal, MO

By DANNY HENLEYdanny.henley@courierpost.com

Posted Nov. 5, 2013 at 7:51 PM

By DANNY HENLEYdanny.henley@courierpost.com

Posted Nov. 5, 2013 at 7:51 PM

HANNIBAL

A handful of local contractors could find themselves being issued citations and fines if they continue to operate in the city of Hannibal without a business license. The City Council authorized City Collector Phyllis Nelson to take the next step in the process during Tuesday night’s Council meeting.

According to a list provided by Nelson, the businesses failing to secure a new license include: Bill Brooks Construction of Hannibal; DJV Construction of Monroe City; E&W Construction of Hannibal; Fatboy Electric Inc. of Kansas City, Mo.; Project Pro Home Maintenance of Hannibal; and Technical Mechanics of Hannibal.

“I will forward the list to the Police Department, building inspector’s office and say if you see any of these companies doing business here in town we need to know about it,” said Nelson, who estimated the fine for doing business without a license carries a fine of $130.

In addition to a fine, the contractors will not be issued any building or demolition permits.

While the Police Department has the authority to “chain the doors” of any business that continues to operate without a 2013-14 business license, Nelson does not foresee that happening.

“Two of them are from out of town that I didn’t really expect to renew (their license) anyway,” she said. “All the rest are contractors where there’s no physical building to chain and lock the door. I know there are a few in town who have an actual storefront, but none of these do. They’re just working out of their home, or whatever.”

In early October, Nelson reported to the Council there were approximately 30 business that either are operating in the city of Hannibal, or have in the past 12 months, that had not yet secured a current merchant’s license. Each of the businesses on Nelson’s list has twice been advised of the situation through a certified letter.

Businesses choosing not to renew had a 30-day window in which to submit a written protest to the city.

“They haven’t appealed so obviously they think we’re right,” said Nelson of the final few businesses on her list.

The cost of a Hannibal business license for each of the firms listed is $100.